Why Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is a famously purple state, having gone for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020. Yet Republicans have maintained a gerrymandered majority in the state legislature that has allowed them to hold onto power despite Democratic candidates winning more votes. Well, thanks to the efforts of the Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Ben Wikler, and the Wisconsin Democrats, that undemocratic grasp on power is coming to an end.
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court declared the state’s Republican-drawn legislative maps (state legislature only) unconstitutional in December of 2023. Governor Tony Evers signed new maps into law Feb 2024. This was all made possible by the election of liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz last spring, and Swing Blue Alliance’s phone bank contributed to her victory.
- The State Assembly has a Republican majority 64-35 just short of a supermajority (due to gerrymandering) but with the new maps it has been estimated that 20 seats are newly competitive and give the Democrats a shot of winning control of the Assembly in 2024.
- Today, the State Senate has a Republican supermajority by one seat (due to gerrymandering) and with the new maps, Democrats will be able to eliminate the supermajority and win a few other seats as well.
- Republicans have a 6-2 majority in their congressional delegation despite Democrats winning a majority of the total votes for the House due to gerrymandered maps. The Wisconsin Supreme Court decision does not effect those maps. Currently there are two House seats which are possible flips: WI Congressional Districts 01 and 03. The primary is in August. It is quite possible that SBA could get involved in supporting the Dem candidates after the primary and of course helping Biden to win Wisconsin again.